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By: Beth Hess, J.D., M.A., Director of the Center for Early Learning at Groundwork Ohio Follow Beth on Twitter and LinkedIn As a parent, I spend a lot of time interpreting the communications of my toddler and preschooler. When my kids were infants, it fascinated me that I could understand what they were saying while my own mother looked on in bewilderment. Just the other night, my toddler asked, “Can we read in a porch?” In a porch? We don’t have a porch. Hmm. He begins to cover himself in a blanket while sitting up. Oh—he wants to read in a fort . I recast back to him, “Yes, we can read in the fort. Tell me what you’d like to read in again.” This allowed my son to hear the correct word and rehearse using it. Children washed in words become rich in language and on track for healthy development. Does it matter how often infants and toddlers are spoken to? Absolutely! Communication and language development in infants and toddlers sets the course for both health and success later in life. Young children’s brains are built through adult-child interactions, responsive caregiving and nurturing language environments. A child’s brain develops rapidly during the first three years of life and talking with infants and toddlers plays an important role in that development. Babies’ brains are like bank accounts and every word spoken to a baby is a dollar in the bank. This resource from ZERO TO THREE provides strategies to help parents and caregivers support the development of communication and language skills in young children. Every child deserves a strong start in communication and language development. Back and forth communicating with infants and toddlers is an important preventative approach to healthy development for all children. Some young children also require specific interventions to assist their development. When provided early in a child’s development, intervention can prevent later need for support or reduce the intensity of ongoing intervention. Early intervention for communication and language needs might include services from a speech and language pathologist or a speech and hearing professional. It’s critical for families and caregivers to know what is available to them and their children, have access to these interventions and receive support in the healthy development of their children. Join the Conversation! Want to learn more about the power of communication and language for infants and toddlers? Want to hear about investments in language and communication development in Ohio? Join the Center for Early Learning on August 11 for a virtual discussion on the power of communication and language for infants and toddlers. Register here: https://www.groundworkohio.org/events

By: Erin Ryan, Director, Center for Maternal & Young Child Health at Groundwork Ohio Follow Erin on Twitter and LinkedIn This week, on behalf of Groundwork Ohio, I testified in support of House Bill 142 before the Ohio Senate Health Committee. I joined partners at Restoring Our Own Through Transformation ( ROOTT ) and the Children's Defense Fund of Ohio as proponents of the legislation, which would provide Medicaid reimbursements for doula services - a policy change that will help to strengthen maternal and infant health outcomes and build birth equity in Ohio. My full testimony as presented to the committee is as follows. Ohio State Senate Health Committee House Bill 142 (Crawley, Brinkman): Doula Services Erin Ryan | Director, Center for Maternal & Young Child Health Groundwork Ohio December 6, 2022 Chair Huffman, Vice Chair Antani, Ranking Member Antonio, and distinguished members of the Senate Health committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of House Bill 142, regarding doula services. My name is Erin Ryan, and I serve as the Director of the Center for Maternal & Young Child Health at Groundwork Ohio. Groundwork is a statewide, nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age five, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. Our vision is to make Ohio the best place to be a young child so that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Groundwork is led by Executive Director, Shannon Jones. Healthy moms are the foundation of healthy children, which foster stronger communities and a more vibrant state. Ohio House Bill 142 aligns directly with the vision of the Center for Maternal & Young Child Health, and with Groundwork’s overall mission, which is why we are proud to testify as a proponent of this bill today. As part of the Governor’s Disparities in Infant Mortality Task Force, Groundwork Ohio was tasked with facilitating 30 family listening sessions across 11 counties in the state. We partnered alongside local community-based organizations and commission members to bring together the voices of 174 family participants, with a focus on including the voices of those most affected by infant mortality—a total of 91% of the participants were Black. To begin my testimony, I want to start by reading some of the quotes from Black women who participated in those listening sessions, which will set the stage for why this legislation – and the need to listen to those most affected – is so crucial to building birth equity in our state. “A hospital is a very dangerous place for a Black woman. We die a lot in the healthcare system and it’s not a mistake.” “People need advocates who will walk alongside the family, with no judgment, and meet them where they are.” “The differential treatment you experience depending on your insurance is something I’m in the middle of experiencing with this second pregnancy.” “When you’re young, uneducated and Black, and come into this situation of being pregnant, and all your doctors are white, they don’t have your best interest at heart. They manipulate you – I was manipulated to have a C-section.” Due to racism and bias within our health care systems, Black women’s concerns are frequently dismissed or downplayed, leading to severe consequences and even death in many cases. Access to doulas, which are trained, non-clinical professionals who advocate for pregnant mothers as they navigate their care and the health care system, can provide needed additional support, create a more supportive environment during delivery, and make the experience of pregnancy much less difficult for the mothers rightfully advocating for their own lives and the lives of their children. Doulas provide pregnant mothers with educational, emotional, and physical support to ensure that the mother and baby remain healthy before, during, and after birth. However, for many women with low-incomes, the ability to hire a doula can be cost-prohibitive and out of reach. In Ohio, Medicaid covers more than half of births, playing a critical role in maternal care and health outcomes for babies. Groundwork supports House Bill 142, which among its requirements, establishes a pilot program for the coverage or provision of doula services within the department of Medicaid. Doula services are part of a package of services, that if made available to pregnant women and babies most at-risk of poor health outcomes, can complement clinical care, support pregnant women, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. When a family is welcoming a new baby into their lives, it should be a time focused on the excitement, joy, and anticipation of this big life moment. Unfortunately, this unique time can quickly change for those who face pregnancy complications or poor health outcomes, which can become deadly for moms and babies. As a country, we are facing a maternal and infant health crisis, with vast racial disparities in outcomes. Ohio is home to regions experiencing some of the most abysmal maternal and infant mortality rates across our nation, and research shows that a large percentage of these deaths were preventable. The Center for Disease Control estimated that in 2022, the maternal mortality rate was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, with 861 known deaths due to pregnancy or childbirth-related causes. The U.S. has the worst maternal mortality record in the developed world, with a rate that is nearly three times higher than the country with the next highest rate (France). Nationally, Black women are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes. In Ohio, recent research from the Ohio Department of Health found that between 2012 and 2016, more than half (57%) of the pregnancy related deaths in Ohio were preventable. Additionally, the data found that Black women in Ohio died at a rate of more than two and a half times that of white women, making up 34% of deaths but only 17% of births. One of our federal partners in this work, The March of Dimes, recently released its 2022 Report Card, which highlights the latest key indicators to describe and improve maternal and infant health for each state. The report also presents public policies that state lawmakers can implement to improve equitable maternal and infant health for families, including the solution provided by House Bill 142 of allowing Medicaid to reimburse for doula services. Ohio earned a D+ in preterm birth grade in the March of Dimes’ report, demonstrating the need for more targeted action to strengthen maternal and infant health outcomes, as well as outlining once again the stark racial disparities that exist. For example, the preterm birth rate among Black women is 51% higher than the rate among all other women. Both internationally and within the United States, preterm birth and the complications that accompany it are some of the key factors that contribute to infant mortality. Ohio’s infant mortality rate is higher than the national average, and the gap in racial outcomes between Black babies (14.1 infant mortality rate) and white babies (5.5 infant mortality rate) is alarming. Overall, the report indicates that the maternal and infant health crisis is worsening. And the numbers are even more desolate for Black women and babies who experience worse maternal and infant health outcomes, even when accounting for different factors of the pregnant person such as socioeconomic status, education, and insurance coverage. In fact, according to the 2020 Infant Mortality Annual Report released by the Ohio Department of Medicaid, while overall infant mortality rates have decreased slightly from 2019 to 2020, racial disparities continue to persist. Ohio is at risk of even worsening outcomes for moms and babies due to changes in federal law and anticipated changes to state law. The positive news is that there are several policy interventions with abundant common ground that Ohio can act on to build a strong foundation for every Ohio mom and baby. (For more information, visit: www.groundworkohio.org/babies). The experiences of both mothers and infants are inextricably linked, although they are often considered separately in health care and policymaking settings. To have a healthy pregnancy and positive birth outcomes, women and their infants require access to appropriate health care services before, during, and after birth. This is particularly important when it comes to babies and women of color, due to the intergenerational effects and lived experiences of racism that can uniquely impact pregnancy outcomes for moms and have both immediate and long-term affects across a baby’s lifetime. House Bill 142 is one of many concrete, actionable steps that our state can take to better support the health and well-being of pregnant women, moms, and babies across Ohio. We are calling for the successful passage of this legislation to expand Medicaid coverage to include doula services, which would help to address the current inequalities that exist in the services covered by the state’s Medicaid program and support Ohio’s ongoing fight to improve maternal and infant health and advance birth equity. Through passage of this bill, we are hopeful that we will strengthen our response to the needs of women and mothers across the state of Ohio, particularly Black moms and babies. In conclusion, while doulas provide a critical service, they are one of many non-clinical interventions that have demonstrated impact on maternal and child health outcomes. We hope that House Bill 142 will be an example of the power behind Medicaid financing of non-clinical interventions to serve the needs of pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and young children. Advancing a more comprehensive vision for pregnant women and young children will be critical to, not only the improvement of birth outcomes, but also health and education outcomes that will pay dividends for pregnant women, children, and the state for years to come. We can and must do better in our communities to ensure that every mother-to-be has a healthy and safe pregnancy and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. That includes the need to listen to Black women and family members as the experts of their own lives and the lives of their children. The voices of those most affected by the maternal and infant health crisis must be at the decision-making table, with the power to influence the policies, practices, and programs that they interact with in their lives. The representation of a diverse group of voices, including Black mothers and families, on the established doula advisory board within the board of nursing is crucial to success of building this support equitably. Thank you again for your time today and for the opportunity to testify on this important legislation. I’m happy to answer any questions today or by email at eryan@groundworkohio.org . Thanks, Erin Ryan Director, Center for Maternal & Young Child Health Groundwork Ohio

Groundwork Ohio's data analyst, Howard Fleeter of the Ohio Education Policy Institute, and Groundwork Steering Committee member Chad Aldis, Vice President of Ohio Policy and Advocacy for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, were featured on "The State of Ohio" in a discussion of the 2017 Ohio School Report Card released last week. The discussion covered progress and barriers to student performance, including the persistent gap seen among economically disadvantaged students and the schools who serve them compared to their higher income peers. Both promoted investments in early childhood education as a trusted intervention to impact the academic trajectory of economically disadvantaged students as a part of addressing larger systemic change. Click here or on the image below to watch the full show.

By Te’Jal Cartwright, Lore Owner and Story Coach Follow Te’Jal on LinkedIn . Purpose Behind our Stories When you bring together a group of people with passion, purpose, and a shared commitment to making the world better for children, amazing things happen. That’s what Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Fellowship is all about. This year, I’m thrilled to partner with Groundwork Ohio to help their Fellows find and share their stories, amplifying their voices to make real, lasting change for Ohio’s youngest children and their families.   About the Fellowship The Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellowship is creating space for change-makers in early childhood policy and advocacy. This year’s cohort brings together passionate professionals from across Ohio—childcare providers, educators, health experts, and more—committed to giving every child a strong start in life. These Fellows are already leaders in their fields, but this program is about amplifying their voices, sharpening their skills, and connecting them with others who share their vision for a better future. And that’s where storytelling comes in. Early Childhood Fellows at the Ohio Statehouse, Nov 2025. How Lore is Contributing Lore’s Storytelling and Advocacy  workshops are designed to empower the Fellows to tell their stories in ways that resonate and drive change. Here’s the heart of what we’re doing: Unearthing Their Stories : Every Fellow has unique experiences that fuel their advocacy. We’re helping them identify those moments and craft narratives that connect deeply with their audience. Turning Stories into Action : Advocacy is about sparking change. We’re teaching Fellows how to build a story that inspires people to listen, engage, and act. Creating Community Through Stories : Sharing stories doesn’t just inform—it unites. Through this process, Fellows are forming stronger connections with each other and their communities. Te'Jal Cartwright The Fellows are Leaders in Action What stands out most about this cohort is their dedication. They aren’t just here to learn...they’re here to make a difference. One Fellow shared how their challenges as a parent navigating the early childhood system fueled their passion for advocacy. Stories like this remind us of the power in personal experiences to drive systemic change.   Moving Forward Together At Lore, we believe that stories change lives. They connect us, inspire us, and move us to action. That’s why this partnership with Groundwork Ohio means so much to me. Together, we’re empowering a new generation of leaders to use their voices for good, shaping a future where every child in Ohio has the opportunity to thrive.   So, here’s my invitation to you: What’s your story, and how can it make a difference? Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to build a brighter future, one story at a time.   Te’Jal Cartwright is the owner of Lore , a storytelling company dedicated to building stronger communities by helping individuals and organizations share their authentic narratives. She has partnered with The Hope Center, Gem City Market, University of Dayton, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest to create connections and spark meaningful change through the power of storytelling. Through workshops, coaching, and creative programs, Te’Jal empowers others to transform their stories into tools for advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

By: Shannon Jones, President & CEO at Groundwork Ohio If you haven’t heard our message yet, we’re passionate about taking care of our youngest Ohioans. Without yet knowing the full extent of the pandemic’s impact, it is clear that Ohio's children and their families have been and are in crisis. Ohio ranks in the bottom half of all 50 states and D.C. on infant maltreatment. We must ensure that those who will lead us into the future can grow, learn, and play in environments that support positive mental health and protect them from the harmful effects of stress, trauma, and adversity. For this reason, now more than ever, it's imperative that our state’s leaders chart a path forward to both prevent and mitigate the impacts of the mental health crisis facing our youngest Ohioans. It’s why we’re a part of the Vote for Ohio Kids coalition and eager to hear from both Gov. Mike DeWine and former Mayor Nan Whaley when they attend our Leadership Forum on October 6. Children who are in unsafe situations and children who lack nurturing relationships are more likely to be exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Not every child exposed to ACEs suffers poor outcomes as a result; positive and supportive environments can serve as a buffer against the harms of childhood adversity and trauma. For example, high-quality early learning can help children build resilience and overcome the long-lasting health and economic impacts of ACEs. At Groundwork Ohio, together with our partners at Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and Ohio Excels , we’re looking forward to hearing from our gubernatorial on their visions for supporting the well-being and healthy development of Ohio’s children. We recently wrote an op-ed in the Columbus Dispatch on the importance of our candidates putting our state’s children at the forefront of their agendas and are excited to be able to hear from them directly in October. Registration is open to sponsors only – find out more information about sponsorship levels here .

Dear Groundwork Team: Our statewide network knows just how important early childhood education is to closing the achievement gap and positioning all Ohio kids for success early. And while Ohio has made progress, we were reminded yesterday at a meeting of the Ohio House Poverty and Education Taskforce just how much work is yet to be done. We are hopeful that as the Taskforce has identified early childhood as an opportunity for growth, they prioritize the issue as they translate their learnings into policy recommendations. This week, a presentation from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to the Taskforce made it clear that Ohio is lagging behind in covering 4-year-olds served by State Pre-K, Special Education Pre-K and Head Start when it comes to state investments. NCSL also reinforced that there is a large body of research that shows that low-income students who attend high-quality preschools are less likely to enter kindergarten significantly behind high-income students. NCSL provided other resources including a brief on "Closing the Opportunity Gap in Early Childhood Education" . Now is the time to raise our collective voices to those who are seeking to be our next governor in order to familiarize candidates with Ohio’s early childhood education system. To assist in these efforts, Groundwork Ohio is mobilizing our statewide network to ensure that Ohio's next governor prioritizes early childhood. Last week we took our first formal step in this effort by sending a reference manual to each of the candidates and their staff to review. Included in this manual was a focused collection of high-level research and news media resources that tell a powerful story supporting an indisputable case for increasing state investments in Ohio’s early childhood education system. We encourage you to use this resource with those who are influential in your community including your state legislators and other policy makers. An electronic copy of this resource has been made available for your use on Groundwork’s website. Click here or on the image below to view the Reference Manual! Early childhood education is the smartest investment Ohio can make for our kids, families, workforce and economy, and voters expect these investments. Help us spread the word by by inviting colleagues and other like-minded people to join our ranks by signing up for email updates here. Shannon Jones Executive Director Start writing your post here. You can insert images and videos by clicking on the icons above.

Groundwork Ohio's Executive Director, Shannon Jones, and Erika Clark Jones, Executive Director of Celebrate One, joined host Karen Kasler on this week's The State of Ohio to provide an update on state policy and local efforts, including the impact of evidence-based home visiting programs, to reduce Ohio's abysmal and disparate infant mortality rates. Click here or on the image below to watch the full show. The infant mortality segment begins at 12:00.

Groundwork welcomed it's newest team member, Allison Mazzeo, this week. Allison is a senior at Kent State University studying Political Science. She will be interning with Groundwork this fall semester in addition to attending various policy briefings and classes alongside her distinguished peers in the Kent "Columbus Program in State Issues" which is lead by Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron). Allison is an outstanding student and, for the past three summers, has worked for the Greater Cleveland Y.M.C.A. as a summer camp counselor. This job is what sparked her interest in early childhood policy and advocacy. Given her commitment to her community and her international education experiences, Allison brings a unique perspective to Groundwork. Allison has already hit the ground running and Groundwork is lucky to have her on board!

Dear Groundwork Team: It’s hard to believe August is over and we’ll enjoy our last break before welcoming fall after the Labor Day weekend. Congress returns from their August recess to a full agenda on Tuesday including many critical decisions that must be made for our nation’s families and communities. One of the developments we are closely following is the reauthorization of the federal Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. MIECHV is an important program with bipartisan support that provides funding to Ohio to support the implementation of evidence-based home visiting programs. Families participating in home visiting programs choose to receive regular, planned home visits from trained providers such as nurses, social workers, and educators. Home visitors help assess family needs and available community resources to them, partner with parents to provide necessary tools to ensure the safety and the emotional and physical well-being of their children, and connect families to community programs and resources that enhance stability. Home visiting is a smart, proven investment in our most important asset – our families. Rigorous research shows home visiting: Reduces child abuse and neglect Improves the health and well-being of young children Increases parental self-sufficiency as parents stay in school and/or obtain gainful, stable employment Improves school readiness and success in young children Ohio relies heavily on MIECHV funding to provide for its home visiting services which are driving positive outcomes for Ohio kids and families in the above areas. Through grants from the Federal Home Visiting Program, in fiscal year 2015, home visitors in Ohio made 15,512 home visits to 3,515 parents and children in 1,633 families; enrolled 1,452 new parents and children to the program; and served families living in communities in 24 counties across the state, or 27% of Ohio counties, of which 14 counties, or 58%, are rural. If MIECHV isn’t reauthorized by October 1, more than 140,000 families in 50 states including Ohio could begin to lose effective home visiting services that improve their health, school readiness, economic security and that help states save resources. Without continued funding, families will be left behind and we’ll lose the opportunity to learn from MIECHV to inform future public investments. Currently, MIECHV is funded at $400 million per year, allowing only a small percentage of eligible families to receive services. It is urgent that Congress reauthorize MIECHV for 5-years with an incremental doubling of funding on a bipartisan package called the “extenders package” or another suitable bipartisan package that can pass Congress on or before September 2017. Double annual funding would sustain the program and expand services to enable grantees, like Ohio, to make services more accessible to underserved populations, since most eligible families now go without access. Please help us support MIECHV and home visiting programs in Ohio at this time by contacting members of the United States Senate Committee on Finance , including Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to urge them for passage of a bipartisan MIECHV package. We are grateful for your support for Ohio’s most vulnerable children and families. Shannon Jones Executive Director

By Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellows: Margeric Gonzalez, M.Ed. Tonya Kelly, M.Ed. Mental health is just as important as physical health—but too often, signs of mental and emotional distress in young children are overlooked or misunderstood. As Ohio continues to grapple with rising mental health concerns among youth, it’s vital for families to be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support systems necessary to recognize early challenges and act.   Family involvement plays a critical role in fostering well-being from the earliest years of life. Promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive begins with strong, informed support systems   Why Mental Health Matters from the Start Mental health challenges don’t begin in adolescence—they can take root much earlier, even in the first five years of life. While data on children aged 0–5 is limited, broader research paints a troubling picture of youth mental health across Ohio.   Recognizing Early Warning Signs Children may not always have the words to express what they’re feeling—but behaviors can offer important clues. Mental health challenges can look different depending on a child’s age and stage of development:   Infants & Toddlers (0–3 years): Trouble sleeping or feeding Excessive fussiness or irritability Lack of eye contact or engagement   Preschoolers (3–5 years): Aggressive or withdrawn behavior Frequent tantrums beyond typical developmental stages Regression (e.g., bedwetting, loss of language skills   If these behaviors persist or worsen, it may be time to consult a pediatrician, early intervention provider, or child mental health professional.   How Families Can Find Help in Ohio [MR1]   [MS2]   Finding help can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. In Ohio, families can access: Help Me Grow Ohio : Early intervention and home visiting services to support your child’s development and connect you with local resources. Ohio Early Childhood Mental Health Services : Provides training and consultation for parents and caregivers and direct support for children experiencing mental health challenges. Ohio 211 : Call 2-1-1 to be connected to local mental health, childcare, food, housing, and utility support resources in your county. Local Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants : Many counties offer specialists who can work directly with families and early educators to support a child’s social-emotional development. Your Pediatrician or Local Children’s Hospital : Pediatricians can provide referrals for developmental screenings, counseling, or evaluations for your child. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services : Offers assistance with SNAP benefits, Medicaid, childcare, and employment resources. Ohio Mental Health Resource Guide : For counseling and mental health services, you can call the Ohio CareLine 24/7 at 1-800-720-9616. Local School Supports : If you need help with school supplies, counseling, bullying prevention or additional school-based services, Empower our Youth Foundation can coordinate with school counselors or social workers and can be reached at empowerupthevoice@gmail.com .   Reaching out early can help your child receive the support they need for emotional well-being and lifelong success.   The Role of Families in Early Mental Health Parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers and advocates. Early emotional experiences shape brain development, making responsive caregiving essential. When families are supported with access to counseling, peer support, and community-based programs they’re better able to nurture their child’s emotional resilience. Research from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio shows that childhood mental health conditions are linked to long-term outcomes, including physical health, employment, and academic success.   As we advocate for and engage families early, we can break cycles of inequity and open the door to brighter futures.   Building a Stronger System of Support Improving children’s mental health requires a coordinated, community-based approach. Families need: Access to culturally competent care that understands diverse backgrounds and experiences Streamlined referrals from pediatricians and early childhood educators Parent education and advocacy training to help navigate complex systems   As one Ohio caregiver and one parent recently shared: “When I finally found a local therapist who understood my child’s needs, everything changed. But getting there was overwhelming. Families need more help connecting the dots.”   “When a family lost childcare due to losing their job, Empower our Youth Foundation was able to assist the family with wraparound services in finding employment and regaining child care for their children.”   Take Action: What Families and Advocates Can Do Learn the Signs : Know the early indicators of mental health challenges in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers so you can act promptly. Talk Openly About Feelings: Create a safe space at home for your child to share emotions without fear or shame. Seek Help Early: If you notice concerning behaviors, contact your pediatrician or reach out to early childhood mental health services in your county. Share and Connect: Spread awareness by sharing resources with other families, child care providers, and community leaders to build a stronger network of support in your community. Advocate for Investments: Encourage state and local policymakers to invest in early intervention, culturally competent care, and family-centered support systems.   Final Thoughts Mental health is foundational to lifelong success. By empowering families with knowledge and resources, children are not only supported—but entire communities are strengthened. The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure that every Ohio child, from birth, has the opportunity to grow up healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

Dear Groundwork Team: As we kicked off a new school year this week, I want to introduce you to Summit Education Initiative (SEI) . You need to know about the incredible work that is happening in Akron, Ohio. SEI is a nonprofit organization working to increase the education of individuals and their families living in Summit County with the goal of ensuring every student graduates prepared, passionate and persistent. We share the belief with SEI that in order to accomplish this mission, we must invest in kids early. Among SEI's strategic goals is increasing the number of students ready for kindergarten success. Under strong leadership, SEI is strategically engaging with all of Summit County school districts including many non-public schools, 130+ preschools, government and nonprofit agencies, local state and national foundations and funders and business entities to make progress toward this goal. We are grateful to have SEI's Early Childhood Strategy Leader, Laura DiCola, as part of Groundwork's Steering Committee. Laura is among friends at Groundwork with the Steering and Executive Committees including representation of leadership from each of the local communities across Ohio such as Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton among others, who are leaning into early childhood to transform the future of their local communities across the state. We look forward to elevating the critical work SEI and their counterparts in communities around Ohio. Our state has a lot to learn from their leadership and experience as we work towards building Ohio's early childhood education system. We thank you for your continued support as we educate policymakers and advocate for increased state investments that are absolutely critical to sustaining and expanding the work of local communities leading the charge to increase access to high quality early childhood education. Enjoy your weekend! Shannon Jones Executive Director Pictured from left to right: Shannon Jones, Executive Director, Groundwork Ohio; Laura DiCola, Early Childhood Strategy Leader, Summit Education Initiative; Robyn Lightcap, Executive Director, Learn to Earn Dayton & Co-Chair, Groundwork Ohio. Calling all school leaders, educators, preschool and childcare directors, librarians, counselors, social workers, community and business leaders, nurses, home visiting professionals, pediatricians, government officials and anyone working with children! SEI's 2nd Annual School Readiness Summit "The Early Childhood Effect" October 27, 2017 REGISTER HERE!

Ohio House Poverty Taskforce Examines Intersection of Health and Education Yesterday, the House Taskforce on Poverty and Education, created by Speaker Rosenberger and the Majority Caucus and chaired by Representative Cupp (R-Lima), held their second meeting to begin examining issues of poverty and education including the achievement gap. The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) presented to the Taskforce on the intersection of health and education and told them that increasing access to early childhood programs would be the best step the state could take to improve health and academic outcomes. Amy Bush Stevens, HPIO's vice president of prevention and public health policy stressed the importance of investing in children early to improve health outcomes and educational attainment. Policy recommendations included evidence-based strategies including increased access to quality early childhood education, full day kindergarten, and home visiting programs that provide mentors to parents. Read the full article from Gongwer News Service here . The meeting was also covered by the Columbus Dispatch. Their story can be found here . Ohio Business and Military Leaders Warn of STEM Workforce Skills Gap, Urge Greater Access to Pre-K Yesterday, Ohio business and military leaders released a new report today at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery detailing how high-quality pre-K is important to developing STEM skills—those essential capabilities in science, technology, engineering, and math demanded in the 21st century workforce. The ReadyNation / Mission: Readiness report, entitled STEM and Early Childhood—When Skills Take Root , also cites projections for STEM workforce growth, as well as the challenges business and the military face in securing the necessary skilled workforce. The business and military leaders called for a greater investment in pre-K, which will have a lasting impact for children, for Ohio, and for the nation. Watch the news clip of the report release event. For more, read the full press release here .